And Now, Let's Turn To Page... (Ol' Buddy Records, 2022)

Brent Cobb sounds like an old country gospel singer while doing his version of "Old Rugged Cross," backed by gospel quartet-sounding backing vocals. Many of these accompanying vocalists are family members, and gospel music is in Cobb's blood. Furthermore, Cobb has said it's "like a rite of passage country singers to make a gospel album." So, for Cobb, this album feels necessary.

Although Cobb has always wanted to make a gospel album, a near-death auto accident was the pivotal event that pushed him to make this personal album. While many of these selections, including "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" and "In The Garden," sound calmly church ready, a few of others are fueled by Southern rock power. "Are You Washed In The Blood" is slightly funky, while "We Shall Rise" rocks like a Lynyrd Skynyrd electric guitar workout.

The lone original is "When It's My Time." Supported by acoustic piano, it finds Cobb staring death straight in the eye without blinking. It's an unflinching song of faith. Its lyrics take on even more significance when you consider his recent brush with death.

Much like holiday music, gospel albums can too often feel like paint-by-numbers exercises. Not so with Cobb. He knows this music. Better still, he feels it. Cobb didn't tamp down his musical instincts to make it, either. His gospel music sounds like all his music – wonderfully Dixie fried. This means much of Cobb's Sunday morning music still feels satisfying on a Saturday night.